Number of babies being vaccinated in Aberdeen a ’cause for concern,’ says NHS

The number of babies being vaccinated against potentially deadly diseases in Aberdeen is below the average for the rest of Grampian.

NHS Grampian’s joint protection plan up to 2020 will be discussed at the board meeting in Elgin today.

The document reveals that while uptakes of infant vaccinations in Moray and Aberdeenshire are generally similar to the Scottish average, the number in Aberdeen failed to meet the key 95% target last year.

It warns that the “increasing pool of unvaccinated children” carries a “potential risk” to the wider population of the city and that the “herd immunity” gathered by mass vaccinations is at risk.

An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “We are continuing to explore why immunisation rates appear to be lower in Aberdeen City compared to other parts of Grampian.

“As the Joint Health Protection Plan notes significant changes are being made to the way vaccination services are organised as a result of the national Vaccination Transformation Programme.

“This will see the responsibility for delivery of the immunisation programme move away from GPs and into a dedicated Grampian wide-service. We are confident this will provide a service which will be more responsive to the needs of patients and, crucially, be more flexible.”​

Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart said: “It’s vitally important that as many children as possible are vaccinated at the advised months of age.

“Vaccinations are quick, safe and extremely effective and I would encourage all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against the range of serious and potentially fatal diseases that vaccinations help fight.”